Cost of Investor Visa in Bahrain: Government Fees, LMRA Charges & Total Investment (2026)
Planning your Bahrain investor visa budget requires understanding multiple fee components. Government charges, application fees, medical examinations, fingerprints, and CPR issuance all factor into your total investment. This guide breaks down every expense so you can plan accurately.
Bahrain offers the most affordable investor visa in the GCC. While UAE demands AED 15,000+ annually and Saudi Arabia charges SAR 100,000 for premium residency, Bahrain's total cost stays under BHD 1,000. This guide explains exactly where your money goes and how to maximize value.
For eligibility requirements, documents, and step-by-step application process, see our Investor Visa in Bahrain guide.
Section 01
What Is the Total Cost of Investor Visa in Bahrain?
The total cost of a Bahrain Investor Visa is BHD 755 for 1-year or BHD 953 for 2-year. This includes the government visa fee, admin fee, application fee, fingerprints with executive service, medical examination, CPR issuance, and LMRA registration. The 2-year option offers 37% per-year savings (BHD 476.50/year vs BHD 755/year).
Complete Cost Breakdown (2026)
Your investor visa investment covers seven distinct expense categories. Each serves a specific purpose in Bahrain's immigration system.
| Description | 1-Year Package (BHD) | 2-Year Package (BHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa Fee | 195 | 390 |
| Admin Fee | 5 | 5 |
| Application Fee | 77 | 80 |
| Finger Prints with Executive Service | 60 | 60 |
| Medical for Investor Residency | 68 | 68 |
| Issuance of CPR | 150 | 150 |
| LMRA Registration | 200 | 200 |
| Total Package | BHD 755 | BHD 953 |
What Each Fee Component Covers
Investor Visa Fee (BHD 195 / BHD 390)
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) charges this base visa issuance fee. It covers work permit processing and residency authorization. The 2-year fee is exactly double the 1-year rate.
Admin Fee (BHD 5)
A flat admin fee applies to all LMRA portal submissions. This covers document processing and system maintenance. The fee is identical for both visa durations.
Application Fee (BHD 77 / BHD 80)
The application processing fee covers document review, security coordination, and administrative handling. The slight difference between packages reflects processing complexity for longer-term permits.
Finger Prints with Executive Service (BHD 60)
Biometric registration is mandatory for all visa holders. Executive service provides priority processing at LMRA centers, reducing wait times from hours to minutes. This expedited service is included in the package.
Medical for Investor Residency (BHD 68)
Medical fitness certification is mandatory. This covers blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis), chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening), and general physical examination at authorized health centers.
Issuance of CPR (BHD 150)
The Central Population Registry (CPR) card is Bahrain's national ID for residents. This fee covers card production, registration in national systems, and delivery. Your CPR is essential for banking, telecom, and daily transactions.
LMRA Registration (BHD 200)
LMRA registration establishes your record in Bahrain's labor market system. This one-time registration links your visa to your company's Commercial Registration and enables ongoing compliance tracking.
Per-Year Value Comparison
The 2-year visa delivers significantly better value when calculated on a per-year basis.
| Package | Total Cost | Per-Year Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year | BHD 755 | BHD 755/year | — |
| 2-Year | BHD 953 | BHD 476.50/year | 37% savings |
Choosing the 2-year option saves BHD 557 over two years compared to two consecutive 1-year visas (BHD 1,510 vs BHD 953). Beyond cost savings, you reduce administrative burden significantly.
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What Are the Government Visa Fees for Investor Visa?
Bahrain government visa fees for investors are: 1-year visa (BHD 195) and 2-year visa (BHD 390). An admin fee of BHD 5 applies to all applications. These are pure government charges paid through the LMRA EMS portal, separate from service and processing fees.
LMRA Visa Fee Structure
Government fees consist of the base visa charge plus a standard admin fee.
| Visa Duration | Visa Fee (BHD) | Admin Fee (BHD) | Total Government Fee (BHD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 195 | 5 | 200 |
| 2 Years | 390 | 5 | 395 |
1-Year Investor Visa Fee (BHD 200 Total)
The 1-year option suits investors testing the Bahrain market or with shorter-term business plans. Government charges total BHD 200 (BHD 195 visa + BHD 5 admin).
2-Year Investor Visa Fee (BHD 395 Total)
The 2-year option provides best value for committed investors. Government charges total BHD 395 (BHD 390 visa + BHD 5 admin).
Fee Payment Methods
LMRA accepts multiple payment options through their secure online portal.
Online Payment via LMRA EMS Portal
All payments happen electronically through the EMS system. Log in with your eKey credentials, select your application, and proceed to payment. The system generates instant receipts for your records.
Accepted Payment Methods
Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards work for all transactions. BenefitPay — Bahrain's local digital wallet — is also accepted. Some banks offer cashback or points on government payments.
Section 03
What Are the Monthly LMRA Fees for Investor Visa?
Monthly LMRA fees for investor visa holders are BHD 7.5/month for the 1st to 5th foreign worker in a company, and BHD 12.5/month for the 6th worker onwards. These fees are invoiced quarterly. Late payment attracts penalties of BHD 5/month. Annual cost is BHD 90 at the base rate.
Tiered Monthly Contribution Structure (2026)
LMRA operates a tiered fee system based on total foreign workers per company. As a single-investor company, you fall into the lower tier.
| Worker Position | Monthly Fee (BHD) | Quarterly Invoice (BHD) | Annual Cost (BHD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st - 5th Worker | 7.5 | 22.5 | 90 |
| 6th Worker + | 12.5 | 37.5 | 150 |
Why LMRA Charges Monthly Fees
Monthly contributions serve two national priorities: labor market development and healthcare system funding. A portion flows into Bahrain's Labor Market Fund (Tamkeen), supporting training programs and business development grants.
Billing Cycle and Payment
LMRA batches monthly fees into quarterly invoices for administrative efficiency. Invoices arrive every three months covering the upcoming quarter. A typical invoice shows BHD 22.5 (3 months × BHD 7.5) for a single investor. Payment is due within 30 days.
Late Payment Penalties
Missing LMRA payments triggers escalating consequences. Late payment adds BHD 5 per month to your outstanding balance. Penalties cap at BHD 15 (3 months). Extended non-payment can result in CR suspension and visa complications.
Section 04
How Much Does Medical Examination Cost for Investor Visa?
Medical examination for Bahrain Investor Visa costs BHD 68 when included in a complete visa package. This covers blood tests, chest X-ray, and physical examination at authorized health centers. Results are valid for 90 days from issuance date.
What's Included in the Medical Fee
The BHD 68 medical fee covers all mandatory health screenings required by LMRA.
Blood Tests
Mandatory blood panels screen for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. These tests protect public health and are standard across all GCC countries.
Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray checks for active pulmonary tuberculosis. This screening is required for all residency applications in Bahrain.
General Physical Examination
A physician conducts basic physical assessment including vital signs, vision, and hearing checks.
Medical for Applicants Outside Bahrain (GAMCA)
Applicants applying from abroad must complete GAMCA-approved medical examinations in their home country before arrival.
| Country | GAMCA Medical Cost |
|---|---|
| India | INR 4,500-6,000 (~$55-75 USD) |
| Pakistan | PKR 8,000-12,000 (~$30-45 USD) |
| Philippines | PHP 3,000-5,000 (~$55-90 USD) |
| Bangladesh | BDT 4,000-6,000 (~$35-55 USD) |
Medical Certificate Validity
Medical certificates expire 90 days from issuance. Plan your application timeline to submit within this window. Starting medical too early creates re-examination risk and additional cost.
Section 05
What Is the Cost for 1-Year vs 2-Year Investor Visa?
A 1-year Bahrain Investor Visa costs BHD 755 total, and a 2-year visa costs BHD 953 total. The 2-year option offers 37% per-year savings (BHD 476.50/year vs BHD 755/year) and reduces administrative burden significantly.
Complete Cost Comparison
| Component | 1-Year (BHD) | 2-Year (BHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa Fee | 195 | 390 |
| Admin Fee | 5 | 5 |
| Application Fee | 77 | 80 |
| Finger Prints with Executive Service | 60 | 60 |
| Medical for Investor Residency | 68 | 68 |
| Issuance of CPR | 150 | 150 |
| LMRA Registration | 200 | 200 |
| Total | BHD 755 | BHD 953 |
Two-Year Savings Analysis
Choosing the 2-year visa saves significant money over time.
| Scenario | Total Cost | Per-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Two 1-Year Visas | BHD 1,510 | BHD 755 |
| One 2-Year Visa | BHD 953 | BHD 476.50 |
| Savings | BHD 557 | 37% |
Which Duration Should You Choose?
Choose 1-Year If:
- You're testing the Bahrain market before full commitment
- Your business timeline is uncertain
- You're planning to upgrade to Golden Visa soon
- Cash flow constraints make the higher upfront cost difficult
Choose 2-Year If:
- Your business is established or you have clear long-term plans
- You want to minimize administrative burden
- You prefer better per-year value
- You can manage the higher upfront investment
For most investors, the 2-year visa delivers better value. The BHD 557 savings over two years makes it the smart choice for committed entrepreneurs.
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What Is the Dependent and Family Visa Cost in Bahrain?
Dependent visa in Bahrain costs BHD 260 per family member including visa fee, admin fee, CPR fee, and visa application fee. Minimum salary requirement for family sponsorship is BHD 400/month. A family of four (spouse + 2 children) costs BHD 780 in total visa and processing fees.
Per-Person Dependent Costs
| Component | Per Dependent (BHD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | 90 |
| Admin Fee | 5 |
| CPR Fee | 85 |
| Visa Application Fee | 80 |
| Total Per Dependent | BHD 260 |
Family Sponsorship Budget Scenarios
| Family Size | Estimated Total (BHD) |
|---|---|
| Spouse Only | 260 |
| Spouse + 1 Child | 520 |
| Spouse + 2 Children | 780 |
| Spouse + 3 Children | 1,040 |
Minimum Salary Requirement
LMRA requires sponsors to show minimum BHD 400 monthly income for family sponsorship. As an investor, this can come from salary, business dividends, or owner drawings documented through bank statements.
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What Is the Work Visa to Investor Visa Transfer Fee?
The work visa to investor visa transfer involves a BHD 250 transfer fee payable to LMRA, plus the standard investor visa package cost. Total transfer cost ranges BHD 1,005-1,203 depending on whether you choose the 1-year or 2-year visa option.
Transfer Cost Calculation
| Component | With 1-Year Visa (BHD) | With 2-Year Visa (BHD) |
|---|---|---|
| LMRA Transfer Fee | 250 | 250 |
| Investor Visa Package | 755 | 953 |
| Total Transfer Cost | BHD 1,005 | BHD 1,203 |
Transfer Requirements
Transferring from a work visa requires either completing 12 months with your current employer OR obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Without meeting one condition, transfer is blocked.
Visit Visa Conversion
Converting from a visit visa also requires a BHD 250 status change fee, but has no waiting period. Once your company is registered, you can immediately apply. This route suits investors who can register their company while on a short visit.
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How Does Bahrain Investor Visa Cost Compare to UAE and Saudi Arabia?
Bahrain Investor Visa is the most affordable in the GCC at BHD 755-953 (~$2,000-2,500 USD) total package cost. UAE investor visa costs AED 15,000-25,000/year (~$4,000-6,800 USD). Saudi Arabia Premium Residency costs SAR 100,000/year (~$26,600 USD). Bahrain offers 60-90% cost savings compared to regional alternatives.
GCC Investor Visa Cost Comparison
| Country | Annual Visa Cost | USD Equivalent | Min Investment Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | BHD 755-953 | $2,000-2,500 | None |
| UAE | AED 15,000-25,000 | $4,000-6,800 | AED 50,000+ |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 100,000 | $26,600 | High |
| Qatar | Property-based | $200,000+ entry | QAR 730,000+ |
| Oman | Property-based | $520,000+ entry | OMR 200,000+ |
5-Year Cost Comparison
| Country | 5-Year Visa Cost | 5-Year Operating (Est.) | 5-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | $8,000-10,000 | $30,000 | $38,000-40,000 |
| UAE | $27,000 | $175,000 | $202,000 |
| Saudi Arabia | $133,000 | $200,000 | $333,000 |
Why Bahrain Is Structurally Cheaper
- No minimum investment requirement — A legitimate BHD 1 company can sponsor a visa
- Lower operating costs — Office rent, labor, and licensing undercut neighbors significantly
- Simpler compliance — Fewer licenses and stable regulations reduce professional service costs
- No personal income tax — Your take-home is your take-home
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What Is the Cheapest Legal Way to Get Investor Visa in Bahrain?
The cheapest legal way is through a complete package at BHD 755 (1-year) or BHD 953 (2-year). For maximum long-term value, choose the 2-year visa (37% per-year savings) and apply fresh rather than transferring from work visa (saves BHD 250 transfer fee).
Cost Optimization Strategies
1. Choose 2-Year Visa
The 2-year visa at BHD 953 costs BHD 476.50/year versus BHD 755/year for the 1-year option. Over a 10-year business timeline, this saves approximately BHD 2,785.
2. Apply Fresh (Avoid Transfer Fee)
If possible, time your business setup to coincide with a visit visa entry. This avoids the BHD 250 transfer fee that applies when converting from work visa.
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Does Company Type Affect Investor Visa Cost?
Company type does not affect investor visa cost. The visa package (BHD 755-953) remains identical whether you have a WLL, Single Person Company (SPC), or Branch Office. Company formation is a separate cost covered in our Cost of Setting Up a Company in Bahrain guide.
Section 12
Can Investor Visa Fees Be Paid in Installments?
Government visa fees cannot be paid in installments — full payment is required at application submission. However, some service providers may offer flexible payment arrangements for their service components. Monthly LMRA fees are automatically billed quarterly and must be paid in full each cycle.
Payment Structure
- Visa Package: Full payment required before processing begins
- Monthly LMRA: Billed quarterly (BHD 22.5 per invoice)
Payment Methods Accepted
LMRA accepts Visa, MasterCard, and BenefitPay through their online portal. Credit card payment effectively provides short-term financing if you pay off the balance during your card's grace period.
Section 13
Frequently Asked Questions About Investor Visa Costs
What is the total cost of investor visa in Bahrain?
The total cost is BHD 755 for a 1-year investor visa or BHD 953 for a 2-year investor visa. This includes government visa fee, admin fee, application fee, fingerprints with executive service, medical examination, CPR issuance, and LMRA registration.
Is the 2-year visa better value than 1-year?
Yes. The 2-year visa costs BHD 953 total (BHD 476.50/year) versus BHD 755/year for the 1-year option. This represents 37% per-year savings. Over two years, you save BHD 557 compared to two consecutive 1-year visas.
Does the BHD 1,000 share capital count as a cost?
No. Share capital is your business investment, not a fee. The money deposits into your corporate bank account and remains available for business operations. It's working capital, not an expense.
Is there a transfer fee if I have a work visa?
Yes. Converting from work visa to investor visa requires a BHD 250 LMRA transfer fee, plus the standard investor visa package. Total transfer cost: BHD 1,005-1,203 depending on visa duration selected.
How much does family sponsorship cost?
Dependent visas cost BHD 260 per family member including BHD 90 visa fee, BHD 5 admin fee, BHD 85 CPR fee, and BHD 80 visa application fee. A family of four (spouse + 2 children) costs BHD 780 total.
Are there hidden fees beyond the package price?
No hidden fees in the visa package — fingerprints, medical, and CPR are all included in the BHD 755/953 price.
Is Bahrain investor visa cheaper than UAE?
Yes, significantly. Bahrain costs BHD 755-953 (~$2,000-2,500 USD) versus UAE's AED 15,000-25,000 (~$4,000-6,800 USD) annually. Bahrain offers 60-90% cost savings compared to UAE, with no minimum investment requirement.
Do I need to pay personal income tax in Bahrain?
No. Bahrain has no personal income tax. Your investor visa status doesn't trigger any income taxation. Business profits distributed as dividends are tax-free to individuals.
Is GOSI insurance required for investors?
No. GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) is mandatory for employees, not self-sponsored investors. If you hire Bahraini employees, GOSI contributions apply to their wages.
What currency are fees charged in?
All fees are charged in Bahraini Dinars (BHD). The BHD is pegged to USD at approximately 1 BHD = 2.65 USD. International card payments convert automatically.
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Summary — Complete Cost Breakdown for Bahrain Investor Visa
Investor Visa Package Costs (2026)
| Description | 1-Year Package (BHD) | 2-Year Package (BHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa Fee | 195 | 390 |
| Admin Fee | 5 | 5 |
| Application Fee | 77 | 80 |
| Finger Prints with Executive Service | 60 | 60 |
| Medical for Investor Residency | 68 | 68 |
| Issuance of CPR | 150 | 150 |
| LMRA Registration | 200 | 200 |
| Total Package | BHD 755 | BHD 953 |
Per-Year Value Comparison
| Package | Total Cost | Per-Year Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year | BHD 755 | BHD 755/year | — |
| 2-Year | BHD 953 | BHD 476.50/year | 37% savings |
Monthly LMRA Fees
| Worker Position | Monthly (BHD) | Quarterly (BHD) | Annual (BHD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st - 5th | 7.5 | 22.5 | 90 |
| 6th + | 12.5 | 37.5 | 150 |
Regional Comparison
| Country | Annual Cost | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | BHD 755-953 | $2,000-2,500 |
| UAE | AED 15,000-25,000 | $4,000-6,800 |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 100,000 | $26,600 |
Key Takeaways
- 2-year visa offers best value — 37% per-year savings vs 1-year option
- All-inclusive package — No hidden fees, fingerprints/medical/CPR included
- Bahrain is 60-90% cheaper than UAE/Saudi — Significant GCC advantage
- No personal income tax — Full take-home on business profits
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